Just a quick rewind to last summer for a second.
In an over-the-top Missionary-Gramma experience for me, Abby and I were able to visit Hot Springs together from July 23 to August 6. I've asked her to share her own reflections, and some pictures, here.
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Hi everyone, it’s Abby!
As I’m sure you all know, this July I had the privilege of getting to accompany my Gramma on a missions trip to Thailand. Now that I’ve returned home and have had a chance to organize myself, I am so excited to share a little bit about that trip with you all!
If I were to describe this trip in one word, it would be “incredible!”
After so many years of hearing about Thailand, seeing others go on missions trips of their own, and dreaming up plans with my Gramma, being able to finally get to go myself felt truly unreal. I had so many wonderful experiences which I know I will treasure forever, and it was such an honour for me to work with God in this way.
Another word that comes to mind when I think about my trip would be “family.”
The biggest highlight of my time in Thailand was, without a doubt, the time I spent with the children. Even though I was only there for a short two weeks, during that period I was able to forge a strong and meaningful connection with many of the kids and in many ways felt as though I could fill in the role of a big sister. Overall, there was such a wonderful atmosphere of welcoming and love and I was so glad to be a part of that and foster that on behalf of our church.
One of my favourite moments was when we took the kids out to the nearby Hot Springs water attraction for a swim and ice cream. Even though it was a smaller outing, they were beyond excited. The girls even got all dressed up and did their hair and makeup! To see them carry such a bright joy with them as they went about jumping in and out of the pool, going down the small water slide, and splashing around together, was so, so heartwarming.
Another favourite memory of mine was getting to spend time with the kids in simpler,
unstructured ways; doing board games or puzzles together, making bracelets, or playing jump rope and other outdoor games for example. These moments were special to me because they were not times that the children were expected to spend with me, but rather times that they chose to spend with me. To me, this was an indication that they felt secure with me and that they truly enjoyed my presence.
unstructured ways; doing board games or puzzles together, making bracelets, or playing jump rope and other outdoor games for example. These moments were special to me because they were not times that the children were expected to spend with me, but rather times that they chose to spend with me. To me, this was an indication that they felt secure with me and that they truly enjoyed my presence.
All in all, this is only a short summary of my trip, but I hope that it helps to give you a clearer picture of my time spent in Thailand! I am so grateful for all of the support I received as I embarked on this incredible adventure. Not only has it meant so much to me, but it also enabled me to strengthen the relationship between our church and our partner church in Hot Springs, and to remind the children that they have a deeply caring community to support them by providing them with a physical presence.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the pictures I have included - they are some of my favourites!
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